Kate Miosky Brierley with her mom Ellie on the big day. Brittany Leigh Photography

Loving words of wisdom from a mother-of-the-bride
By Ellie Miosky
I was a proud mom of the bride this summer. Well, technically, I was a proud mom of the bride for two and a half years. That was the length of my only daughter’s engagement before her July wedding. Katie and her husband Eric’s 912.5-day engagement left plenty of time to learn a thing or two about my role as mother of the bride. This comes with some definite dos and don’ts.

But first things first. Why the wait? The proposal came as a total surprise in January 2010 as I heard my husband Mark’s cell phone ring. It was Eric, but why? It was their first night on a cruise; was something wrong? Then Mark asked, “Do you love her? Will you take good care of her?” I put two and two together, and cried and cried and cried. I was overwhelmed and happy.

Eric’s sister was getting married in September 2011, and both kids were in the wedding party. Wanting Eric’s family to have their moment and time to recuperate, he and Katie decided to marry the following year. They wanted an intimate, family-oriented backyard wedding with personal touches, and chose July 14, 2012. “What?!” friends and family asked. “We want a celebration now! Why so far away?” But I got used to it quickly. I didn’t have to worry about anything right away. The long engagement allowed my brother and sister-in-law to prepare their backyard as the site for the big day. It gave my niece enough time to plant a cutting garden with the wedding day in mind to offer homegrown flowers as her gift. She even created handmade roses out of my veil and mixed them into Katie’s bridal bouquet and my corsage. All of these time-consuming details brought more happy tears to my eyes. How special! Things didn’t happen overnight, but we were lucky to have time on our side.

I can honestly say I didn’t have many Mom meltdowns. The thing I worried about the most was worrying too much! If I was anxious and didn’t enjoy the day, I’d really regret it. I made keeping calm and enjoying each and every moment a priority. It worked!

That’s not to say I didn’t have my moments. I’m pretty sure I hip-checked a junior bridesmaid in my rush to get from hair to makeup on the wedding morning. (I later found out I had more than enough time.) And Katie always seemed to have a new idea, which made me very nervous at times. It almost put me over the edge when she suggested we offer a late night Olneyville wiener station with all the fixings two weeks before the wedding (Eric is a mailman in Olneyville). I thought, “Why add another thing to the million and six to-do lists we have already?” But I learned to keep my mouth shut. Moms out there, remember that it is your child’s day and you are there to assist. When I saw how it came together, I knew it had been important to offer my help and advice but let Katie and Eric put their ideas into action. I laughed out loud when I saw the number of people, young and old, that lined up at that damn wiener station after dancing the night away. They’re still talking about it!

I can tell you that with time, some patience, self-control and plenty of champagne and laughter, anything is possible. Katie and I kept everything out in the open and agreed to resolve any frustrations at once. This way, our joy could take over. Did we butt heads? Sure…who doesn’t? But the goal was to join two beautiful families and even when my ideas differed from my daughter and son-in-law’s, we kept that goal in mind. Don’t forget to do the same, and most of all, have fun! I highly recommend you pamper yourself with facials, try a brand new restaurant afterwards and talk through logistics over a glass of your favorite wine. Make these irreplaceable moments part of your whole process. Enjoy each one of them. Whether your daughter’s engagement is two and a half years or two months, I promise it will fly by.

Newport Bridal Show Fashions
Our very own annual bridal show is held at two elegant Newport locations: Rosecliff and OceanCliff. It is your chance to meet dozens of wedding professionals, sample food and cakes, with free parking and transportation between venues.

Shown here is some of the lovely apparel featured at the fashion shows. The Rosecliff gowns are from Bridal & Gift Wedding Boutique; the mens formalwear from Jos. A Bank; flowers from Broadway Floral Design; hair and make-up by Frank Antonio Hair & Makeup. The OceanCliff gowns are from Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique; mens formalwear from Carl Anthony Tuxedo; hair and make-up by both Formal Hair Design and by Allison Barbera Beauty. Models are from The Beauty Within Model Management.

Plan now to attend the 11th Annual Newport Bridal Show, on February 16, 2013. Visit NewportBridalShow.net for details.

We celebrated at sunset and into the evening on October 11 as we launched our 2013 edition of Newport Wedding Magazine. Wedding professionals, including the hottest photographers, event planners, florists and DJs, as well as our cover couple Brooke and Beau Beecy,  gathered to celebrate at Forty 1° North on the gorgeous Newport waterfront. Special thanks to Golden Gate Studios for their lovely flowers, Connerton Photography for stunning images of the party, Jack Falvey Associates for dramatic up-lighting, Rhode Island Rentals for linens to glam up the festive tables and Music Machine for getting everyone into the spirit with rockin’ tunes.
Thanks for celebrating with us!
Newport Wedding Magazine is on newsstands now!

Douglas Stewart Liefeld and Meghan Anne Sullivan

Middletown – Karen and Larry Pucciarelli, Lisa and Jerry Sullivan, and Cynthia and Paul Liefeld are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Meghan Anne Sullivan and Douglas Stewart Liefeld, both of Pittsburgh, PA.

Meghan is a 2000 graduate of Middletown High School. She received her BS degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 2004 and is currently a Market Research Manager for H.J. Heinz Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA.

Doug is a 2002 graduate of Sewickley Academy. He received his BA from Point Park University in 2006. Doug works for Tri-State Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh.

Flavor of the Month… Pumpkin!

It’s getting colder, the leaves are changing and those autumn Newport weddings are falling into place. This month we are inspired by everything pumpkin from creative, rustic centerpieces to mouthwatering, seasonal desserts. It’s truly pumpkin spice and everything nice!

Jay Lane of Rhode Island’s Golden Gate Studios advises using white pumpkins to “stay away from a ‘trick or treat’ wedding,” while still keeping a romantic feel. He typically hollows out the gourds, adding an arrangement of classic orange, red and golden colored flowers. You don’t just want the pumpkin, you want the carriage and these little details can send you on your way to your ideal Cinderella wedding. Incorporate these into your theme, color palette or your menu. You can even let guests take one home!

Tattoo or Taboo?

You finally said “yes” to the dress, but there’s one problem: your tattoo is showing. Maybe the size or color of your tattoo clashes with your gown. You may have old fashion family members who find it inappropriate, especially in a church ceremony setting. If you think it would look better without it or if you are uncomfortable showing your tattoo on your big day, make sure you try the products in advance because you don’t want any surprises!

Haley Gill at The Apothecary in Newport shared “the art to concealing your body art” step-by-step with us. “A visible tattoo can take away from the enchantment of a wedding dress,” Gill says. She says the first step to covering the tattoo is applying a red base to tone down the color of the ink. She recommends applying a stain called “Stainiac” by TheBalm with a lip brush or Q-tip. The next step is to apply two layers of concealer, one cool tone to cover the red, and one warm to blend with the skin tone. Gill recommends applying Bare Minerals with a smooth, flat concealing brush. The final step is blending Bare Minerals Foundation on and around the tattoo using a Full Flawless Coverage Brush. ‘It’s important to color match the foundation to the bride’s unique skin tone,” Gill said.

Don’t feel obligated to cover up if you don’t want to. These tattoos are part of who you are and you should be proud of it. It’s perfectly okay to purchase a gown that shows off your ink! So, tattoo or taboo? It’s up to you!

Terence M. Murphy, III and Kayla E. Cunningham

Middletown ~ David and Beth Cunningham are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kayla E. Cunningham to Terence M. Murphy, III, son of Terence and Donna Murphy of Middletown, RI.
A June 28, 2013 wedding has been planned at Jesus Savior Church in Newport with the Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin performing the ceremony. A reception will follow at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI.

Top Five: Hairstyles

Need some hairspiration? Where do you start? The style you choose depends on the length of your hair, your gown, the weather and the location. There’s a style for all of it!

If your dress has a lot of embellishment and detail, your hair should complement that. Catarina Cordeiro, owner of Invidia Salon & Spa in Portsmouth, says that brides with an elaborate gown should continue the theme when it comes to hairstyle. “A princess ball gown wedding dress should be accompanied with a sleek up style not down and wavy,” she said.

If you’ll be saying “I do” at one of Newport’s beaches, don’t let the wind blow your spotlight away! Buns or braided hairstyles could work well or even loose curls for a casual look to match that bohemian style gown. Cordeiro says she typically suggests a simple texture style updo for brides getting married on windy days, to avoid unwelcome distractions.

If you found the perfect vintage gown, wavy hairstyles would be the perfect addition to your ‘20’s-inspired look. If you have a classic, traditional dress it might be best to keep your hair out of your face, with an updo and a fun hair accessory, like a flower or something that sparkles.

Cordeiro says that what works best for most brides is a more polished version of their daily selves. “Just because it’s your wedding day, you do not need to try a style you’ve never worn. If for example you wear your hair down, do so, just add some waves or pull a few pieces off your face,” she said. Don’t be afraid to leave your hair down if that’s what you’re used to because it’s important to be comfortable and confident on your big day!

Finding the perfect hairstyle for your big day can be a challenge, but always test out what you had in mind beforehand. Don’t experiment with your hair after choosing a style. Cutting or coloring your hair can truly change the look you were going for. Take photos of yourself in every style you try so you can make sure you made the right decision! Newport has a number of salons waiting to help you with your finishing touches to make you look your best. Just make sure you love it because this is your time to shine!

These top five hairstyles were photographed by Faith Dugan Photography and Lauren Halvorson Photography.

Handwritten vs. Inkjet Invitations

The wedding invitation is the first opportunity to impress your guests, and sets the tone for the style of the event. The age-old question is, handwritten or inkjet?

Maria Mignanelli, owner of Arianna Gifts in Cranston, shared various options available for those looking to create the perfect invitations for their special day. She says in the past, formal and traditional wedding invitations were always handwritten or done in calligraphy. “Some papers may not be suitable for hand-written calligraphy because of the texture, thickness or stock,” Mignanelli says. In these circumstances, she says computerized calligraphy, created using a special machine, mechanical pen and a laser printer, is a better option.

Handwritten invitations are more old-fashioned, formal and elegant, but it takes longer and requires good penmanship and patience. Doing it yourself can save money if you have a strict budget. Make sure you order extra envelopes just in case!

If you’re running late on sending them out, aren’t very crafty, or find it time consuming and unpractical, you may be better off printing the invitations. Inkjet printing is the alternative that can incorporate a wide range of colors. If you are going for a more fun and casual wedding, your invitations could incorporate colors to match your chosen palette or the season. However, more formal weddings should have invitations printed with black ink, which is also less expensive. Laser printing, which according to Mignanelli, “is best for smooth, uncoated stock paper as this allows for a crisp print that fuses well to most papers.” 

Mignanelli also suggested letterpress, which adds a hand-made effect and works well on handmade papers, and thermography, a less expensive alternative to engraving where the letters are raised but not indented. Embossing creates a raised design used for monograms, borders, and return addresses, although she warns the post office is not a fan of this.

Regardless of whether you choose to hand-write or print your invitations, you do not want it to bleed or smudge. “I think it is up to the person depending on how formal their wedding is and how they want to invite their guests,” Mignanelli says. The question of handwritten or ink jet is based on formality, preference, the material of the invitation, budget and time. Go with what works best for you!

This just in, wedding lovers! Alison and Kevin have shared the details of their special day with us and we want everyone to see what a beautiful Newport affair it truly was. As Alison would say, it was classic, timeless and elegant.

These local vendors made their perfect day possible:

Chase and Sean Stalls
Dress: Alexandra’s Boutique
Photographer: Joseph Laurin Photography

Our Favorite Wedding TV Shows!

When you’re not flipping through the pages of Newport Wedding Magazine to get ideas for your special day, tune into these wedding shows that will keep you on the couch with bride-fever. Some of our favorites include every edition of Say Yes to the Dress, Cupcake Wars and Four Weddings.
    The Say Yes to the Dress series teaches you about the best dress for your body type, how to stay in a budget range that works for you, and how to feel good about the choices you’ve made. Many of NWM’s Real Wedding brides often share their stories of excitement once they slipped on “the dress” – be sure to check out their stunning results in our Real Wedding stories. The bridesmaids’ edition is engaging because the bride is forced to find a dress for her bridesmaids that work for her color scheme and style, but also have to try and satisfy their different tastes, budgets and strong opinions. The catch is that the bridesmaids never really agree, often forgetting it’s not their wedding day and that the focus should be on the bride’s wishes. To keep the drama minimal, we recommend opting for a smaller bridal party, which not only helps with the budget but lessens the bickering. Or let your bridesmaids choose the style of dress that complements their body type as long as it is in the color of your choice.

From the wedding of Grace & Ralph McCluskey
Cupcakes: Mad Hatter Bakery
Photographer: Sabrina Scolari Photography

    Cupcake Wars challenges bakers around the country to get creative with flavors, frosting and garnishes that work well together. It shows brides how to incorporate a variety of cupcakes in addition to the traditional cake to please a large number of guests with very different taste buds. In previous Real Wedding stories, there have been couples with different dessert preferences, so they not only had a wedding cake, but a tower of cupcakes with different flavors on each level. Once the inspiration hits, you can head over to Newport’s Mad Hatter Bakery or the Newport Sweet Shoppe and tell them what you’re looking for!
    Four Weddings, as you may have guessed, involves four brides who attend each other’s weddings. They judge the dress, the food, the décor and the overall experience of each wedding for the chance to win an all-expenses-paid honeymoon. Most of the time, the brides differ in preferences and ideas, so it’s interesting to see how they rate some weddings over others. It’s also a great way to see how everything comes together for the big day.
    So whether you’re an avid TV watcher or looking for guidance of what to do – or not to do – on your special day, these shows are sure to set your wedding planning in motion.

Brandee Joleen DeCotis and Michael Joseph Russo ATTLEBORO, MA ~ Joseph M. DeCotis and Claudia Facchini  DeCotis of Attleboro, MA are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Brandee Joleen DeCotis to Michael Joseph  Russo of Middletown, RI, the son of Bill and Maryalice Russo of Middletown, RI.

A September 15, 2013 wedding has been planned on the Ocean Front at Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown, RI with a Justice of the Peace performing the ceremony and the reception to follow.

Patrick Hurley McNabb and Casey Shea Fullerton Newport, RI ~ Patti and Ray Fullerton of Newport, RI are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Casey Shea Fullerton to Patrick Hurley McNabb, both of Washington, DC. Patrick is the son of Mary and Paul McNabb of Bryn Mawr, PA.

Casey is a 1998 Graduate of Rogers High School, in Newport, RI and Boston College in 2002 and is employed as the Principal of KIPP DC: Promise Academy in Washington, DC.

Patrick graduated in 2001 from Devon Preparatory School in Devon, PA and Haverford College in 2005 and is employed as the Vice Principal of KIPP DC: College Preparatory in Washington, DC.

A June 23, 2013 wedding is planned in St. Joseph’s Church in Newport, RI with Father Malm performing the ceremony and the reception to follow at the Officers’ Club in Newport. RI.

Christopher Gilbert Andrews and Erin Lee Platt Portsmouth, RI ~ Judy Andrews of Portsmouth, RI and Richard Andrews of Warren, RI are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Christopher Gilbert Andrews to Erin Lee Platt, daughter of John and Jacqueline Platt of Portsmouth, RI and Wilmington, NC.

The Wedding Ceremony and Reception will be held on September 6, 2013 at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth, RI.

Jonathan Shulman and Rebecca Saunder MIDDLETOWN ~ Stephen and Leslie Saunders of Middletown, RI are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebecca Saunders to Jonathan Shulman, both of New York, NY. Jonathon is the son of Martin and Patty Shulman of Bayside, NY.

Rebecca is a 2003 graduate of Middletown High School, in Middletown, RI and Northeastern University in 2007. She is an Associate Development Specialist at the law firm of Shearman & Sterling, LLP in New York City.

Jonathon is a 2002 graduate of Bayside High School and State University of New York at Binghamton in 2006. He is a Senior Systems Administrator at Forrest Solutions Group in New York City.

A July 2012 wedding and reception have been planned at Castle Hill Resort in Newport, RI.

Top Five: Groom’s Cakes

As the bride, you’ve likely chosen an assortment of feminine colors, flowers and invitations for your wedding day. You’ve finished testing different cake and frosting flavors and picked the perfect romantic cake for your theme. But what about the groom? The groom’s cake is your chance to share a part of your future husband’s personality with your friends and family.

Scrumptions in East Greenwich has an assortment of ideas that are perfect for a groom’s cake. According to Anna Carreiro, executive pastry chef and president of Scrumptions, the top themes for groom’s cakes are “sports, video games, groom’s hobby, groom’ college and groom’s pet.” The intricate detail that goes into each cake can sometimes take Carreiro’s team more time than a wedding cake, but just imagine the smile on his face when he sees their creation and something customized just for him. “A groom’s cake is best served at the rehearsal dinner,” Carreiro recommends, “with a completely different flavor than the wedding cake” so it doesn’t compete.

Check out these cake ideas from Scrumptions that are imaginative, absolutely delicious and bring a little extra humor to the day after months of stressful planning!

Let’s toast to the bride and groom with these fun and festive drinks from Newport’s Vanderbilt Grace and The Chanler at Cliff Walk.

Even the Grinch will have a smile on his face after tasting one of these delicious concoctions from Vanderbilt Grace.

· Candy Cane Martini anyone? Combine Skyy Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, White Chocolate Godiva Liqueur and a splash of milk. Shake well, then serve on the rocks or straight up. Hang a miniature candy cane on the side for added flair.

· Looking for the perfect cocktail to cheer up a grumpy guest? Try The Scrooge-Driver. Combine Stoli Blueberi, orange juice and pineapple juice, and serve on the rocks.

· The Grinch’s Stolen Spritzer is a refreshing cocktail, just make sure you keep your eyes on your glass so it doesn’t disappear. Combine Stoli White Pomegranik, Triple Sec, green apple puree, splash of pineapple juice and shake well. Finish with Dooryard Apple Cider.

Forget the fruitcake – an old wedding tradition – and serve your guests their daily dose of vitamin C with The Incredible Pear from The Chanler at Cliff Walk.

· Combine Absolut Pear Vodka, Hypnotiq, Grand Marnier, pear nectar, a splash of lemon and a splash of pineapple. Shake well, pour into a martini glass then accent with a cranberry.

Kathleen Walsh & Jeffrey Dwyer on December 10, 2011

Published in Newport Life Magazine November/December 2012 issue

Sometimes what we least expect is right in front of our noses. Such was the case when Kathleen Walsh met the man she would later marry. Jeffrey Dwyer was her sister’s school friend, and once they were introduced, sparks flew. He began making the weekend commute from his life in Boston to hers in Newport, but daily visits to see his sweetheart were not far behind. Jeff couldn’t wait to pop the question, proposing to Kathy during one of their nightly strolls along the Cliff Walk.

A love for Newport in the wintertime sparked the couple’s plans. “There is no better place in the world, especially around Christmastime when the town is all lit up,” she says. Within two months, their dream day was planned and had arrived, and they welcomed 100 guests to celebrate their romance.

The bride and groom pulled up to Newport’s Channing Memorial Church in style, riding in a 1961 Corvette Convertible, owned by the bride’s father, John Walsh. Keeping in style with the classic winter glamour wedding, Kathy wore a French lace gown, the first she tried on. After the intimate ceremony, the Dwyers’ guests walked to the Clarke Cooke House for the reception. Instead of wedding cake, friends and family were served the bride’s favorite Newport dessert, the restaurant’s famed Snowball in Hell, a deep goblet of chocolate roulade and vanilla ice cream dripping with Callebault chocolate and coconut.

The couple honeymooned in the British Virgin Isles, and returned to Newport where Kathy owns Bellevue Beauty Walk. They’re expecting their first child in December.—ER

Featured Vendors
Invitations: Papers, Newport
Rehearsal Dinner: The Rhumbline, Newport
Hair/Makeup: Jennie Kay Beauty Parlour, Middletown
Nails: Star Nails, Newport
Flowers: Stoneblossom Florals, East Greenwich
Photographer: Maaike Bernstrom Photography, Middletown
Accommodations: Pelham Court Hotel, Newport

Alison Wicks & Sean Peters on October 9, 2011

Published in Newport Life Magazine January/February 2013 issue

While Alison Wicks may have had her eye on Sean Peters in middle school, it took her future husband until high school to realize that she was the apple of his eye as well. “We were a match made in small town high school athletic heaven,” the bride, who was the captain of the gymnastics team, says of her husband, the captain of the football team. After graduating from Salve Regina, Alison and Sean realized their love went beyond textbooks and math class, and a marriage proposal at Castle Hill would set the high school sweethearts’ wedding plans in motion.

Aquidneck Island was the only location the Portsmouth natives considered for their nuptials. “We grew up here and most of our friends and family members are still in the area,” Alison says of the place her parents, Catherine Wicks of Portsmouth and Richard Wicks of Newport, as well as the groom’s parents, Tom and Laura Peters of Portsmouth, still reside. Gorgeous views of Narragansett Bay served as the backdrop for their elaborate affair hosted at The Carnegie Abbey Club. “The grounds are beautiful and there are so many places to take amazing photographs,” reveals Alison.

Whimsical-romantic details in purple, lime green and accents of silver were prevalent throughout the entire wedding celebration. Bridesmaids wore flowing bright purple dresses, and as they walked down the aisle, their bouquets brilliantly popped with colors that accented the color scheme. Centerpieces, handmade by the bride and her mother, were displayed on silver charger plates and were filled with moss, pebbles, purple candles and exotic orchids.

Passed hors d’oeuvres were served on the outside patio overlooking the water so guests could enjoy the beautiful scenery. “The weather was amazing and everyone got to see a beautiful sunset,” the bride gushes. For the main course, 185 family and friends dined on grilled filet mignon with stuffed shrimp and were treated to three different cupcake flavors for dessert.

One of the couple’s favorite keepsakes from their affair was the handmade guestbook that detailed their years together. Each page captured a special moment in their relationship from their first dance, to high school and college graduation photos and even a shot of their dog, Henry, sitting on the steps of their home. “It was perfect and the guests got to see pictures of us growing up together over the past 12 years.”

After honeymooning in the Dominican Republic, Alison and Sean returned to their home in Portsmouth to begin their lives together as Mr. and Mrs.–CC

Featured Vendors
Bridal Gown: Alexandra’s Boutique
Suits: Viking Tuxedo
Rehearsal Dinner: Anthony’s Seafood
Reception Venue /Caterer: The Carnegie Abbey Club
Hair: Sydney’s Salon and Spa
Make-up: Jennie Kay Beauty Parlour
Nails: Wavelengths Salon & Spa
Transportation: Leisure Limousine
Flowers: Carlone’s Florist and Chateau Gradeau
Cake: Newport Sweet Shoppe

Transportation: Leisure Limousine, Portsmouth
Reception Entertainment: Rhythm Productions
Photographer: Melinda Beth Photography